Each of the following sections includes the title of the event, a description of the event, layout instructions and the scoring procedures, including score sheets. The better understanding the contestants have of the information, the more successful they are likely to be during the competition. The sequence of events in this publication is not necessarily the sequence of events in the State Competition; nor will all the events necessarily be included.

SUMMARY OF POSSIBLE POINTS PER EVENT

EVENT POINTS

General Knowledge Written Test 100

Vehicle Inspection Written Test 100

Offset Alley Event 50

Railroad Grade Crossing Right Turn Event 75

Straight Line Event 50

Diminishing Clearance Event 50

Back up Stall Event 50

Left Turn Event 50

Parallel Parking Event 50

Elementary Student Loading Event 75

Curb Line Event 50

Stop Line Event 25 Surprise Event (optional) 50

TOTAL POSSIBLE POINTS 775

Total Possible Score 200 points

PURPOSE OF TEST

A school bus driver must be familiar with many laws and regulations, which he/she must faithfully observe. Experts in the school transportation industry have established these laws and regulations over many years. Contestants for the International Competition are encouraged to study their state/province rules, regulations and state laws for school bus drivers. Since many state/province laws and regulations vary, the following documents should be studied for best practices, established by national publications. The driver needs to be knowledgeable in the requirements by law in the daily inspection of the school bus, before transporting students. The test will evaluate the contestants’ knowledge of laws regarding pre-trip inspection, as well as the knowledge of vehicle components and knowledge of “why” we check certain items.

Publications to study for the State Competition written test are as follows:

Texas School Bus Driver Certification Book (2010)

Available from the Texas Department of Public Safety Or Local Regional Education Services Center

Texas Commercial Motor Vehicle Drivers Handbook (RevisedJune2014) Available from the Texas Department of Public Safety

INSTRUCTIONS

This test will be composed of a combination of 50 true, false, or multiple-choice questions. These statements will be based on the publications mentioned above and on common sense. The examples below are of the general type that will be used.

SCORING

A total time limit of 30 minutes per testhas been established for the General Knowledge Test / Vehicle Inspection Test. Each test question answered incorrectly or not completed will result in a charge of four demerits for the writtentest.

Examples of TestQuestions:

  1. Smoking is permitted on a school bus when all students are off the bus
  2. True
  3. False
  1. A stop sign means:
  2. a. Slow down to at least 10mph
  3. b. Slow down to at least 5 mph
  4. c. Proceed cautiously if there is no traffic within 100 yards
  5. d. Come to a complete stop

Maximum Score: 50 Points

PURPOSE OF EVENT: This event is designed to evaluate a driver’s ability to handle the bus under actual, and simulated, driving conditions. An offset alley is set up to determine the contestant’s ability to drive his/her bus through the offset lanes with a minimum of hesitation and without touching the barriers or flag tips.

This is a timed event:The contestant will be allowed two (2) minutes to complete the event. Time starts when the front bumper enters the first set of barricades and ends when the rear bumper exits the last set of barricades.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR ALL BUSES OVER 29 FEET: Two or three sets of parallel barriers, 10 feet long, are set up with flag tips 10 feet apart. The right barrier flag tips of the first set are placed in a direct line with the left barrier flag tips of the second set (the offset barriers), or visa-versa. The distance between any two sets of barriers (from the end of the first set to the beginning of the second set) will be the length of the bus plus three feet for buses over 29 feet long.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR ALL BUSES 29 FEET OR UNDER: Two or three sets of parallel barriers, 10 feet long, are set up with the flag tips 10 feet apart. The right barrier flag tips of the first set are placed in a direct line with the left barrier flag tips of the second set, or visa-versa. The distance between any two sets of barriers (from the end of the first set to the beginning of the second set) will be the length of the bus plus two feet for buses 29 feet long or under.

The direction of the offset (left or right) will be determined by the Competition Director.

SCORING:

The following demerits will be charged for touching of a flag tip:

1 flag tip (7 demerits)

2 flag tips (21 demerits)

3 flag tips (42 demerits)

4 flag tips (50 demerits)

For each time of stopping the forward motion of the bus, eight (8) demerits will be charged (not to exceed 16 demerits):

1 time (8 demerits)

2 times (16 demerits)

Backing the bus during event (50 demerits)

Touching any barrier (50 demerits)

Contestant # Event Judge:/

Maximum Score: 50 points

Demerits:

Score Earned:

FAILURE TO: DEMERITS

Complete event in the 2 minute time limit (50 demerits)

Drive with the headlightson (50 demerits)

Wear seat beltproperly (50 demerits)

Keep door closed duringevent (50 demerits)

Each instance of stopping forward motion of the bus (8) Max. of (16 demerits)

For each flag tip touched (1=7) (2=21) (3=42) (4=50)Max. of (50 demerits)

Backing during the event (50 demerits)

Vehicle touches a barrier (excluding base) (50 demerits)

Actual Time: Minutes Seconds

Indicate which flag tip or barrier has been touched


Maximum Score: 75 points

PURPOSE OFEVENT

Making a right turn at a railroad crossing represents one of the greatest hazards insofar as mass casualties or fatalities are concerned. This test evaluates the driver’s common sense, degree of care and knowledge of the laws, rules and regulations when required to maneuver a school bus across railroad tracks at an intersection. The test also evaluates the driver’s ability to make a right turn and determine the clearance of the tracks with the vehicle.

INSTRUCTIONS

A simulated railroad crossing is laid out as follows:

  • A two lane roadway crossing one set of railroad tracks located approximately 50 feet from an intersection.
  • Railroad grade crossing signs will be properly positioned to the right side of the roadway in which the driverwill make the approach to theintersection.
  • The driver will approach the railroad grade crossing giving the correct direction signal and stop as requiredby law.
  • Upon checking the tracks on both directions, the driver will activate the correct turn signal and proceed. Thedriver shall continue to steer the bus in a straight line until ready to execute the right turn. The point atwhich the turn begins is determined by the driver’s ability to judge a predetermined relationship with thecorner (turning point). The turn must be executed without touching the curbline.

This is a timed event: The contestant will be allowed 15 seconds to complete the right turn.

The time will start when the right rear tire enters or passes the front edge of the entry scoring template and will stop when the right rear tire leaves or passes the rear edge of the recovery scoring template.

The turning radius will be determined on the day of competition.

Scoring

Drivers are judged from the time they approach the crossing until they complete the right hand turn. They will be checked on use of directional signals and mirrors, stopping the bus, opening the door and window, checking the tracks in both directions, driving across the railroad tracks, etc. Recommended procedures outlined in “Operation Lifesaver”publicationswill be used for the basis of scoring:

APPROACHTHE RXRGRADE CROSSINGAND RIGHT TURN:

FAILURE TODEMERITS

Complete the event (75 demerits)

Drive with headlights on or not wearing seatbelt (75 demerits)

Properly use turn signals during the event (25 demerits)

Stop between 15 to 50 feet from the nearest rail (75 demerits)

Stop, open door or window (if applicable) at RXRgrade crossing (75 demerits)

Check the tracks in both directions and ensure that it is safe to cross (75 demerits)

Check left outside mirror(s) before crossing the tracks (10 demerits)

Check right outside mirror(s) before crossing the tracks (10 demerits)

Check inside rearview mirror before crossing thetracks (10 demerits)

Close entrance door (25 demerits)

Clear back of bus by at least 15 feet from the nearestrail after crossing the tracks (75 demerits)

RIGHT TURN

THIS WILL BE A TIMED EVENT. The contestant shall be allowed 15 seconds to complete the right turn. The time will start when the right rear dual enters or passes the front edge of the entry score template and will end when the right rear tire enters or passes the rear edge of the recovery scoring template.

Scoring

Scoring will be based on the method in which the driver enters and recovers from the turn. For scoring purposes, the outer edge of the tire’s tread will be used. The right rear outside tire must pass through the entire scoring template at the beginning and completion of the turn. Measuring from the curbside of each template, the following demerits shall be charged depending on the travel path of the scoring tire:

  • The tire enters and exits the scoring template in the yellow (zero) 0 demerits
  • The tire enters and/or exits the scoring template in the black (ten) 10demerits
  • The tire enters and/or exits the scoring template in the red (twenty) 20demerits
  • The tire misses the front edge of the scoring template (twenty five) 25demerits

The highest value of demerits will be given based on the tires travel through the templates

Red 9” to 12” 20 demerits

Black 6” to 9” 10 demerits

Yellosw0” to 6” 0 demerits

The tire “does not” pass through the entire template 25 demerits

Red- 20 demerits
Black- 10 demerits
Yellow- 0 demerits

Improper use of 8 light “School Bus Flashers” (25 demerits)

Backs up during event (75 demerits)

Contestant # Event Judge:/

Maximum Score: 75 points

Demerits:

Score Earned:

APPROACH THE RXR GRADE CROSSING:

FAILURE TO: DEMERITS

Complete the event (75 demerits)

Drive with headlights or not wearing seatbelt (75 demerits)

Properly use turn signals during the event (25 demerits)

Stop between 15 to 50 feet from the nearest rail (75 demerits)

Stop, open door or window (if applicable) at RXRgrade crossing (75 demerits)

Check the tracks in both directions and ensure that it is safe to cross (75 demerits)

Check left outside mirror(s) before crossing thetracks (10 demerits)

Check right outside mirror(s) before crossing thetracks (10 demerits)

Check inside rearview mirror before crossing the tracks (10 demerits)

Close entrance door (25 demerits)

Clear back of bus by at least 15 feet from the nearest rail

after crossing the tracks (75 demerits)

ENTERING TURN

THIS WILL BE A TIMED EVENT. The contestant shall be allowed 15 seconds to complete the turn.

The time will start when the right rear dual enters or passes the front edge of the entry score template and will end when the right rear tire enters or passes the rear edge of the recovery-scoring template.

Scoring will be based on the method in which the driver enters and recovers from the turn. For scoring purposes, the outer edge of the tire’s tread will be used. The right rear outside tire must pass through the entire scoring template at the beginning and completion of the turn.

Direction of Travel Tire travel through entire scoring template

Red- 20 demerits
Black- 10 demerits
Yellow- 0 demerits

(Off of Template) (25 demerits)

Red 9” to 12” (20 demerits)

Black 6” to 9” (10 demerits)

Yellow 0” to 6” (0 demerits)

RECOVERING FROM TURN

For scoring purposes, the outer edge of the tire’s tread will be used. The right rear outside tire must pass through the entire scoring template at the beginning and completion of the turn.

Direction of Travel Tire travel through entire scoring template

(Off of Template) (25 demerits)

Red 9” to 12” (20 demerits)

Black 6” to 9” (10 demerits)

Yellow 0” to 6” (0 demerits)

Improper use of 8 light “School Bus Flashers” (25 demerits)

Backs up during event (75 demerits)

Stopping while in turn (50 demerits)

(More than 15 seconds) (50 demerits)

Shifting gears manually while crossing tracks (75 demerits)

Bus stops on tracks (75 demerits)

Actual Time: Minutes Seconds

Maximum Score: 50 points

PURPOSE OF EVENT

To determine the driver’s ability to maneuver the right wheels of school bus over a straight path of a given width.

INSTRUCTIONS

The right wheels of the bus must travel the indicated path without striking or moving the markers with any wheel. The bus must be operated in a continuous forward motion. The distance between the markers is the width of the rear duals plus three (3) inches. Measure all right side dual widths. The distance between each set of Tennis Balls is 25 ft. with 4 sets of balls.

SCORING

For each instance of jerky or uneven movement of bus

(Maximum of 20 demerits.) (2 demerits)

For each instance of stopping forward motion of bus

(Maximum of 20 demerits.) (4 demerits)

Each instance where wheel touches or knocks a tennis ball off

(Maximum of 50 points.) (5 demerits)

Drives either side of pair of tennis ball markers

(Maximum of 50points) (10 demerit)

Failure to complete the event (50 demerits)

Failure to wear seatbelt (50 demerits)

Failure to have door closed during event (50 demerits)

Backing up during event (50 demerits)

Failure to drive with headlights on (50 demerits)

Contestant # Event Judge:/

MaximumScore: 50 points

Demerits:

Score Earned:

Each instance of jerky or uneven movement of bus

(2) (2) (2) (2) (2) (maximum of 20 demerits) (2 demerits)

Each instance of stopping forward motion

(4) (4) (4) (4) (4) (maximum of 20 demerits) (4 demerits)

Each instance where wheel touches or knocks tennis ball off

(5) (5) (5) (5) (5) (5) (5) (5) (5) (5) (maximum of 50 demerits) (5 demerits)

Drives to either side of pair of tennis ball markers

(10) (10) (10) (10) (10) (maximum of 50 demerits)(10 demerits)

Failure complete the event (50 demerits)

Failure wear seat belt (50 demerits)

Failure keep door closed during event (50 demerits)

Failure to drive with headlights on (50 demerits)

Back up during the even(50 demerits)


Maximum Score: 50 points

PURPOSE OF TEST:

The contestant is required to drive the bus in a straight line with diminishing clearances while driving in a smooth and continuous manner.

INSTRUCTIONS:

For the purpose of conducting this test, five pairs of parallel standards are set up. Each pair of standards, however, is parallel to the next. The distance between each pair of standards is 25 feet. The width of each pair varies as follows:

First pair of standards Width of bus plus 10inches

Second pair of standards Width of bus plus 8inches

Third pair of standards Width of bus plus 6inches

Fourth pair of standards Width of bus plus 4 inches

Fifth pair of standards Width of bus plus 2inches

Note: The measurement is from flag tip to flag tip. The alley is set up to allow for the course to diminish equally on both sides.

Scoring

Contestants will be scored on the following:

Each instance of jerky or uneven movement

(Maximum of 10 demerits) (2 demerits)

Each instance of stopping forward movement of bus

(Maximum of 20 demerits) (4 demerits)

Each instance of bus touching flag tips

(Maximum of 50 demerits) (10 demerits)

Striking standard with bus (50 demerits)

Failure to complete the event (50 demerits)

Failure to wear seat belt (50 demerits)

Backing up during the event (50 demerits)

Keep door closed during event (50 demerits)

Failure to drive with headlights on (50 demerits)

Contestant # Event Judge:/

Maximum Score: 50 points

Demerits:

Score Earned:

Each instance of jerky or uneven movement of bus DEMERITS

(2) (2) (2) (2) (2) maximum of 10 demerits(2 demerits)

Each instance of stopping forward motion of bus

(4) (4) (4) (4) (4) maximum of 20 demerits(4 demerits)

Each instance of bus touching flag tip

(10) (10) (10) (10) (10) maximum of 50 demerits(10 demerits)

Bus strikes flag standard(50 demerits)

Backing up bus during event(50 demerits)

Failure to:

Complete the event (50 demerits)

Wear Seat Belt (50 demerits)

Keep door closed during event (50 demerits)

Failure to drive with headlights on (50 demerits)

Maximum score: 50 points

PURPOSE OF THE TEST

This test is designed to evaluate the driver’s ability to back the bus into a stall. A stall the width of the bus plus two (2) feet is provided into which the driver must back their bus into without touching the upright standards and without crossing over the stall limit lines. Depth perception is tested by penalizing the driver for backing up too close to the rear barrier, or parking the bus too far from the rear barrier, or not having the bus centered in the stall (front and rear).

INSTRUCTIONS

Two parallel yellow ropes on the ground the width of the bus plus two (2) feet identify each stall. Each front corner of the stall will be marked by upright standards that will not interfere with the backing of the bus. In order to limit the driver’s maneuvering room, a front wheel limitation line will be placed on the ground perpendicular to the stall parallel stall lines. The distance from the front stall standards to the wheel limitation line will be as follows: